we'll try to break into the American scene. That's one of our goals as a band, to break the race barrier. - Alain Salvo Bassist, The Grudge (Jersey Journal, Feb. 1997)

With the release of their new album, R+Evolution, alternative band The Grudge is preparing to do just that: break cultural boundaries. The Grudge Vocalist Arnie Paunil, Bassist Alain Salvo, Guitarist Chary Salvo, and Drummer Jake Ferrer have been winning audiences over since their first performance in December 1994 (with former Drummer Riff Sitantyo, Keyboardist Myra Banzuela, and Back-up Vocalist Mike Osma).

Playing as regular guests in New York venues (Recession Café and Amadeus) as well as at several annual Filipino-American festivals, the band had gained enough exposure -- and requests -- to record an album. The independent release of their self-titled (all-original) debut CD in 1997 launched The Grudge's career as recording artists and opened doors to a wider market. Their music (which are in both the English and Filipino languages) have been getting regular airplay on Filipino radio programs such as Magandang Filipinas (Beautiful Philippines) WNJR 1430 AM in the NY-NJ-CT area and Tinig Filipino (Filipino Sound) in the Philadelphia, PA/South Jersey area. There are also several radio stations in the Philippines that have their songs on rotation.

The Grudge has since been attracting media attention and have been mentioned in leading Filipino-American newspapers. However, the biggest compliment from the media yet may be the feature article written about the band in the major local (New Jersey) newspaper, The Jersey Journal. After the paper hit the stands, the band was flooded with inquiries. And, since The Journal is an American publication, it introduced The Grudge to non-Filipino listeners.

The buzz The Grudge created became so strong that it reached California and Florida sectors even without airplay and any performances! It also lead to a slot as the main Opening Act for Eraserheads, MTV-Asia awardees and the most popular (No. 1) band in the Philippines.

Two years after their debut hit the stores, The Grudge decided to record a second album. Appropriately entitled R+Evolution, the CD, which also contains both English and Filipino songs, includes tracks from their first album (depicting the band's evolution), plus new material. The Grudge's trademark honest and straighforward approach in their songwriting is evident in the tracks; songs tackle everything from the imperfections of society to getting even with a former love interest.

Currently, The Grudge whose fan base is rapidly growing are playing at various New York/New Jersey venues. They are also promoting/marketing their new CD, but not just with Filipinos in mind. The band has won the Filipino community over. They are ready to be heard by America and the rest of the world.

September 30, 1999

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Reviewer: BenjaminS.T. - - December 29, 2012
Subject: IUMA: The Grudge
Based on what I heard in the song Please Come Back, I think fans of Midlake may like this, but then again as witnessed on their song Sometimes they can get more rocking than Midlake.